If you feel giddy just thinking about diamond encrusted watches and VVS cufflinks (or you get a thrill from high-end window shopping), you can look forward to finding the newest addition to your collection at one of the hottest luxury fashion destinations of the world. As someone who understands the thrill of undertaking a little high-end retail therapy in a luxe setting, TravelManagers’ Catherine Rumble shares her favourite spots to shop like a tsar.
Paris – exquisite couture and beautiful tailoring
Paris is the home to fashion royalty, with many of the best-known, high-end designer brands occupying dazzling premises here – think Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès. If you’re indulging your inner fashionista in the city which is surely the holy grail of luxury shopping, be sure to include visits to Boulevard Haussmann (home to the fabulous Galeries Lafayette department store) and Rue Camon (to visit the former flat of fashion doyenne, Coco Chanel) in your haute couture pilgrimage.
Image courtesy of Galeries Lafayette Group
Milan – understated sophistication
Milan is renowned for its impeccable style, exquisite craftsmanship and quality products, and is home to many of fashion’s biggest names. The northern Italian city is an essential inclusion on any list of luxury European shopping destinations, particularly the boutique-lined streets of Via Monte Napoleone and Corso Venezia. You’ll notice that the Milanese dress to impress – with careful attention right down to the last detail. That makes it a great place to pick up a few fabulous accessories to complete your look – from handbags and belts to watches and even beautifully crafted umbrellas.
Image courtesy of Where Milan city guide
Los Angeles – glamourous and edgy
As home-base to many of the world’s most photographed celebrities, Los Angeles is a mecca for all things luxe. There are more red-carpet moments here than anywhere else around the world, so the locals know how to dress well and shop hard. A visit to Rodeo Drive is a must, even if it’s just to recreate those iconic “Pretty Woman” scenes. This city is all about faking it until you make it – hire a luxury rental car for the day (or better yet, hire a limo to drive you around), don some oversized sunglasses, and make your entrance in style.
Image courtesy of lovebeverleyhills.com
New York – hip and trendsetting
This forward-thinking, fashion-changing, trendsetting city brings together an amazing blend of “old and new”. Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue is the spiritual home of the luxury department store, including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor. It’s also lined with flagship stores for many of the world’s most luxurious brands, so you can pick up something sparkly and fabulous at Harry Winston or channel Audrey Hepburn at Tiffany and Co.
Image courtesy of NYC & Company
London – stylish and tailored
London ranks highly amongst the world’s cities as a distinctive fashion centre. With its characteristic products and sense of style, the city is closely associated with the traditional handcrafts of tailoring, shirt-making, hat-making, and shoe-making that underpin the image of the English gentleman, but there’s also a vibrant subcultural club and street scene, with eccentric and innovative design talent constantly nurtured in its famous art schools. A personalised shopping experience is a must, along with visits to Bond Street, Sloane Street or Liberty London for exclusive luxury designer brands.
Image courtesy of visitlondon.com/Ben Pipe
If the idea of these high-end retail experiences has your credit card twitching, perhaps it’s time to consider your own luxury shopping holiday. Contact personal travel manager Catherine Rumble or visit her on Facebook or Instagram and start planning yours.
